(Boston, MA) – December 6, 2018 – At its 14th Annual Dinner, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM) celebrated Senate President Emerita Harriette Chandler and her tenacious advocacy, tempered by civility, in support of higher education. AICUM President Richard Doherty was joined by Simmons University President Helen Drinan and Clark University President David Angel in honoring Senator Chandler with AICUM’s “Committed to Access Award.” In addition, AICUM recognized former Massport CEO Tom Glynn for his longstanding commitment to expanding international flight options at Logan International Airport, which serve the 68,000 international students currently studying in Massachusetts.

Pictured (l-r): AICUM President Richard Doherty with Simmons University President Helen Drinan, Massachusetts State Senator and Senate President Emerita Harriette Chandler, and Clark University President David Angel. Photo courtesy of John Gillooly, Sr.

The 2018 Annual Dinner was one of the most successful in AICUM’s history with over 350 attendees, including more than two dozen college and university presidents and representatives from nearly all 55 colleges and universities.

“I have graduated from Wellesley College, Clark University, and Simmons University, all institutions where I grew and developed as a leader, and all members of AICUM,” said Senate President Emerita Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester). “I am very grateful for this honor and for AICUM’s hard work on promoting and supporting colleges and universities and the pursuit of higher education. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for my college experiences.”

“Senator Chandler’s eloquent remarks at our event mirrored the civility and deep knowledge and understanding of higher education policy matters which have characterized her extraordinary career in the public service” said AICUM president Richard Doherty.

Senator Chandler received her B.A. from Wellesley College, her MBA from Simmons Graduate School of Management and her M.A. and Ph.D from Clark University.

The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM) was founded by independent college presidents and today comprises 55 degree-granting, accredited independent colleges and universities in the Commonwealth. It is the leading voice on public policy matters affecting independent colleges and universities in Massachusetts. AICUM plays a critical role in advocating for college affordability, including state and federal funding for need-based student financial aid, federal research support and addressing state and Federal legislative and regulatory issues.